Will AI Replace Home Appliance Repairers?

Bill customers for repair work, and collect payment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Observe and examine appliances during operation to detect specific malfunctions such as loose parts or leaking fluid.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Talk to customers or refer to work orders to establish the nature of appliance malfunctions.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Refer to schematic drawings, product manuals, and troubleshooting guides to diagnose and repair problems.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Trace electrical circuits, following diagrams, and conduct tests with circuit testers and other equipment to locate shorts and grounds.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Replace worn and defective parts such as switches, bearings, transmissions, belts, gears, circuit boards, or defective wiring.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Provide repair cost estimates, and recommend whether appliance repair or replacement is a better choice.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Disassemble appliances so that problems can be diagnosed and repairs can be made.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Respond to emergency calls for problems such as gas leaks.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Service and repair domestic electrical or gas appliances, such as clothes washers, refrigerators, stoves, and dryers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Reassemble units after repairs are made, making adjustments and cleaning and lubricating parts as needed.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Record maintenance and repair work performed on appliances.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Test and examine gas pipelines and equipment to locate leaks and faulty connections, and to determine the pressure and flow of gas.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Light and adjust pilot lights on gas stoves, and examine valves and burners for gas leakage and specified flame.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Instruct customers regarding operation and care of appliances, and provide information such as emergency service numbers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Contact supervisors or offices to receive repair assignments.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Maintain stocks of parts used in on-site installation, maintenance, and repair of appliances.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Level refrigerators, adjust doors, and connect water lines to water pipes for ice makers and water dispensers, using hand tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Observe and test operation of appliances following installation, and make any initial installation adjustments that are necessary.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Set appliance thermostats, and check to ensure that they are functioning properly.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and stoves.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Level washing machines and connect hoses to water pipes, using hand tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Clean and reinstall parts.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Clean, lubricate, and touch up minor defects on newly installed or repaired appliances.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Conserve, recover, and recycle refrigerants used in cooling systems.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install gas pipes and water lines to connect appliances to existing gas lines or plumbing.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Take measurements to determine if appliances will fit in installation locations, performing minor carpentry work when necessary to ensure proper installation.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Measure, cut, and thread pipe, and connect it to feeder lines and equipment or appliances, using rules and hand tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Assemble new or reconditioned appliances.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.